I thought I would post a quick report this morning. After the fine day we had yesterday, this morning it is more cloudy and at the same time much more windy and that is affecting some of the lifts at Zao - the upper Gondola is not operating along with the Utopia No2 lift and Kurohime quad. Other planned lifts for the day might be affected, it's just going to depend on Mother Nature now.

There might be some rain added into the mix before tomorrow as well but the week ahead looks set to be generally clear and warm.

The last few days I have noticed some patches of ground showing on parts of the lower slopes of the resort - first time I have really noticed that.

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Official snow depths (22nd April 12)
Utopia - 160cm
Chuo - 160cm
Paradise - 160cm
Uwanodai - 60cm

Operating lifts (22nd April 12)
Limited lifts now open.

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Current planned lift operations at Zao, as of 20th April - subject to change:

Uwanodai Area
Sky Cable (open all year, but closed from 7th May for maintenance)

Chuo and Paradise Area
Zao Chuo Ropeway (closed for maintenance 9th-25th April except Saturdays and Sundays)
Chuo No1 pair lift (only 21st and 22nd April, 28th April until 6th May)
Chuo No2 pair lift (until 6th May)
Katakai triple lift (only 21st and 22nd April, 28th April until 6th May)
Paradise No1 pair lift (only 21st and 22nd April, 28th April until 6th May)

Yokokura and Utopia area
Zao Ropeway (open all year, closed for maintenance 7th-18th May)
Utopia No2 pair lift (dependent on snow but latest until 6th May)

Omori and Kurohime Area
Kurohime No1 quad (no fixed closing date, dependent on snow (but only Fri, Sat and Sun from 16th - 26th April)